Monica Bertagnolli, first woman and first clinical trials group chair to direct the National Cancer Institute

Monica M. Bertagnolli, a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, stands poised to become the first woman and the first chair of a clinical trials cooperative group to be named director of the National Cancer Institute.

“She has a long-standing commitment to excellence in patient care, training, and addressing health care disparities; all key issues for the NCI today.” 

Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society, said Bertagnolli is an exceptional choice for leading NCI.

“Her strong track record as a surgical oncologist, scientist, innovator, and leader provide an unparalleled foundation for guiding the next phase of the NCI,” Knudsen said to The Cancer Letter. “At the American Cancer Society, wherein Dr. Bertagnolli serves on the board of directors, we have benefitted from her wisdom, creativity, and dedication to our goal of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families. 

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with the NCI to end cancer as we know it—and with Dr. Bertagnolli in this new role.”

The Cancer Letter - July 21, 2022